Snydertag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012-10-11:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//167862012-12-10T05:24:38ZMovable Type Enterprise 4.31-enAnalysis: Elephants are dying out in America's zoostag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3803242012-12-10T05:23:51Z2012-12-10T05:24:38Z In the Seattle Times article, "Elephants are dying out in America's zoos," the writer has done an in-depth investigation on Zoos' efforts to preserve and propagate elephants, both in Seattle and nationally. The article gives the reader clear and...snyde509
In the Seattle Times article, "Elephants are dying out in America's zoos," the writer has done an in-depth investigation on Zoos' efforts to preserve and propagate elephants, both in Seattle and nationally.
The article gives the reader clear and comprehensive data on elephants that live in zoos'. This data includes population, infant-mortality rate, and also the expenses surrounding an elephant's life.
The reporter needed to know basic calculations of dividing and averaging in his article to tell the story of the endangerment of zoo elephants.
This story used two different interactive graphics to enhance the story. First, there was a web graph that showed the family tree of zoo elephants in chronological order. This helped the readers visualize the connectedness of all the elephants, and also the increase of scarcity in the number of elephants.
The next graph looks at the amount of births and deaths in zoo elephants, showing the reader that there is a significant difference in the amount of deaths over births in the last twenty years.
Article found here.]]>
Twin's trade, Aaron Hicks finds center field suddenly wide opentag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3801842012-12-08T22:33:09Z2012-12-08T23:13:42Z The Twins have traded their two starting center fielders Denard Span and Ben Revere, making Aaron Hicks open to take the top spot in Twin's center field, news sources report. Hicks 2012 season saw an improvement from the left...snyde509
The Twins have traded their two starting center fielders Denard Span and Ben Revere, making Aaron Hicks open to take the top spot in Twin's center field, news sources report.

Hicks 2012 season saw an improvement from the left side of the plate. General manager Terry Ryan said "the Twins had started to talk about making him solely a right-handed hitter during the 2011 season, but Hicks developed a more compact left-handed swing and learned how to handle the changeups he'd frequently see from right-handed pitchers," Star Tribune reported.

While there is favor for Hicks, there is open competition for their center field job between Hicks, Joe Benson and Darin Mastroianni, Pioneer Press reported.

The Twins will also continue to work for more starting pitchers, but better start moving as Friday saw one of the needed pitchers, Brandon McCarthy, sign with Arizona, Pioneer Press reported.

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Nelson Mandela admitted to hospital for teststag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3801802012-12-08T22:12:37Z2012-12-08T22:13:26Z South African President Jacob Zuma says that former President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital in Pretoria for tests, President Jacob Zuma said Saturday, new sources report. "Mandela is doing well and there is no cause for alarm,"...snyde509
South African President Jacob Zuma says that former President Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital in Pretoria for tests, President Jacob Zuma said Saturday, new sources report.

"Mandela is doing well and there is no cause for alarm," Zuma said. "The medical team is assured of our support as they look after and ensure the comfort of our beloved founding president of a free and democratic South Africa," CNN reprted.

Mandela, 94, is delicate health and has not made public appearances for a few years. He was moved from his home to South Africa's administrative capital in Pretoria, FOX news reports.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid before becoming the nation's president in 1994., four years after he was freed from prison, CNN reports.

He was the country's first fully democratic elected president, FOX news reports.

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Minnesota Orchestra reports $6 million deficit for fiscal 2012tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3799482012-12-07T04:09:52Z2012-12-07T04:10:44Z The Minnesota Orchestra announced an operating deficit of $6 million for fiscal year 2012 after a $2.9 million loss for fiscal year 2011, news sources reported. This is the organization's largest operating loss in its 110-year history. This loss...snyde509

The Minnesota Orchestra announced an operating deficit of $6 million for fiscal year 2012 after a $2.9 million loss for fiscal year 2011, news sources reported.

This is the organization's largest operating loss in its 110-year history. This loss is coming at a time when the orchestra's musicians are locked out in the midst of contract negotiations, Pioneer Press reported.

The news was presented at a closed meeting of the board of directors Thursday. The board did not hold a celebratory annual meeting, due to the labor dispute. For now, all concerts for the fall and holiday seasons have been canceled, Star Tribune reported.

"At the most fundamental level, our expenses continue to grow and our revenues cannot keep pace," board chair Jon R. Campbell said outlining the serious financial challenges facing the orchestra." This gap will continue to widen annually until we eliminate our structural deficit once and for all," Pioneer Press reported.

Currently there are no negotiations scheduled between the board and musicians. The negotiating is being handled under the auspices of the federal mediation office, Star Tribune reported.

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Controversy increases over photo of NY subway death tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3792552012-12-05T18:01:10Z2012-12-05T18:02:31Z A front-page photo of a subway rider pushed onto the tracks drew criticism after it appeared on the front page of the New York Post, new sources reported. A day after Ki-Suck Han was hit by an oncoming train,...snyde509
A front-page photo of a subway rider pushed onto the tracks drew criticism after it appeared on the front page of the New York Post, new sources reported.
A day after Ki-Suck Han was hit by an oncoming train, criticism arose over the photograph of the helpless man in the way of an oncoming train at the Times Square station, Associated Press reported.
"But the New York Post had every right to run the picture. This is what tabloids do -- milk tragedy for every ounce of emotional impact. No New York straphanger should have been surprised to see the photo," CNN reported.
The photo was shot for the Post by freelance photographer R. Umar Abbasi. Abbasi said he got the shot while running to the scene and firing off his camera. He hoped the flash would attract the attention of the train conductor, the Post reported (AP).
"No one would dispute that the story is newsworthy. It is, in fact, every New Yorker's nightmare," CNN reported.
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Analysis: Citizen forum held by the Environmental Quality Boardtag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3785472012-12-03T05:04:42Z2012-12-03T05:05:59ZIn Minnesota Public Radio's article "Enviro officials hear from SE Minn. Residents," the writer chose to focus on the personal, community aspect of the citizen forum held by the Environmental Quality Board. The writer tried to make it very personable...snyde509
In Minnesota Public Radio's article "Enviro officials hear from SE Minn. Residents," the writer chose to focus on the personal, community aspect of the citizen forum held by the Environmental Quality Board.

The writer tried to make it very personable by using an informal source in her article. The majority of the short article reflected on one crowd member's question and response. I believe the writer chose to focus on a crowd member's question because it was a public meeting, focused on the community's concerns.

The writer tried to describe the event by having the one personal question in the article. This makes it easy to understand what the event was about, and to show the readers what type of questions were asked at this meeting. The end of the article shows a list of similar upcoming meetings, and those who read the article are more aware of what is typically asked.

Lastly, she included what the objective of the forum was: "the comments would be the focus of a one-day summit in March." I personally would have put this earlier in the article or mentioned it. Again, her choice was to focus on people at the meeting and not the objective or goal of the meeting.

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Minn loses to Packers, Peterson prevailstag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3785332012-12-03T04:33:54Z2012-12-03T04:35:21Z Faith remains intact for quarterback Christian Ponder has upsetting game against the Green Bay Packers, news sources report. Vikings lost 23-14 to the Packers after upsetting second half. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he did not consider replacing his...snyde509
Faith remains intact for quarterback Christian Ponder has upsetting game against the Green Bay Packers, news sources report.

Vikings lost 23-14 to the Packers after upsetting second half. Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he did not consider replacing his quarterback at any time against the Green Bay Packers and will not consider changing quarterbacks for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, Pioneer Press report.

The game turned out well for Vikings star Adrian Peterson which registered his third career 200-yard rushing day. He also had the longest run of his career, an "impressive" 82-yarder, Star Tribune reports.

While Peterson's day ended with a new career records, Ponder's two interceptions in the game ultimately led to their defeat, Star Tribune reported.

"Christian is our quarterback we are going to do all we can to help him have a good game against Chicago and to help our team go out and get a win," Frazier said, emphasizing his commitment to starting and keeping Ponder.

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Minn. man charged with murder of two teens after burglarytag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3785252012-12-03T04:20:48Z2012-12-03T04:21:51Z A Minnesota man is charged with two counts of murder after shooting two teenagers who broke into his home on Thanksgiving weekend, news sources report. Nicholas Brady, 17, and his cousin, Haile Kifer, 18, were killed in the Little...snyde509
A Minnesota man is charged with two counts of murder after shooting two teenagers who broke into his home on Thanksgiving weekend, news sources report.

Nicholas Brady, 17, and his cousin, Haile Kifer, 18, were killed in the Little Falls home of Byron Smith, a highly trained U.S. Foreign Service retiree. Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel said Smith told the police he shot the teens multiple times after they broke into his house, Star Tribune reported.

Smith grew up in Little Falls and volunteered in Order of the Arrow, a camping fellowship program within the Boy Scout program. He was apart of the community, even hired high school kids to help around his property, St. Louis Post Dispatch reported.

According to Smith, in the past three years his house and garage was burglarized. Sheriff's records show that Smith had reported only one burglary, on Oct. 27, when $10,000 worth of sentimental items was reported taken, Star Tribune reported.

Police discovered the bodies of Brady and Kifer after Byron Smith called a neighbor, asking about a lawyer and letting the neighbor know that he should call authorities, Star Tribune reported.

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Mexican drug queen killed in shootouttag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3779682012-11-29T19:59:09Z2012-11-29T20:01:41ZA Mexican beauty queen was killed during a weekend shootout in northern Mexico where it's known for drug-fueled violence, authorities said Monday, new sources report. Maria Susana Flores Gamez, 20, was the 2012 Woman of Sinaloa. She was killed Saturday...snyde509
A Mexican beauty queen was killed during a weekend shootout in northern Mexico where it's known for drug-fueled violence, authorities said Monday, new sources report.

Maria Susana Flores Gamez, 20, was the 2012 Woman of Sinaloa. She was killed Saturday in a gun battle between soldiers and the gang of drug traffickers she was traveling with, CNN reports.

Flores Gamez was "traveling in one of the vehicles that engaged the soldiers in an hours-long chase and shootout on Saturday," Prosecutor Marco Antonio Higuera said, FOX news reports.

This isn't the first time in Mexico a beauty queen was involved in a criminal act. In 2008, Laura Zuniga, who was then the reigning Our Sinaloa Beauty, was detained on suspicion of drug and weapons violations along with seven other men. She was later released, CNN reports.

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Powerball jackpot rumps to $550 million as ticket sales increasetag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3778192012-11-29T04:27:41Z2012-11-29T04:29:44Z Powerball jackpot rose to $550 million Wednesday, tempting many people to purchase a ticket for the second-largest payout in U.S. history, news sources report. The chance of winning a Powerball jackpot is 1 in 175,223,510 and yet tickets were...snyde509
Powerball jackpot rose to $550 million Wednesday, tempting many people to purchase a ticket for the second-largest payout in U.S. history, news sources report.

The chance of winning a Powerball jackpot is 1 in 175,223,510 and yet tickets were selling at a rate of 130,000 a minute nationwide and continue to grow. The increase in tickets sales means the jackpot could climb even higher before the Wednesday night drawing, said Chuck Strutt, executive director of the Multi-State Lottery Association, CNN reports.

The jackpot hasn't had a winner the last 16 consecutive times but Powerball officials say they believe there is a 75 percent chance the winning combination will be drawn this in this round, FOX news reports.

According to some experts, if one ticket hits the right numbers then chances are good that multiple ones will be, FOX News reports.

"There's increasing evidence of the very urgent and dangerous threat posed by these drinks because of their high levels of caffeine, which are often undisclosed, and the effects of combining that caffeine with other ingredients," Blumenthal said, FOX News reports.

While anyone can report a relationship to the deaths and the amount of energy drinks consumed, no cause-and-effect relationship has been proven. As required by law, the FDA is investigating the connection, CNN reports.

"If we find a relationship between consumption of the product and harm, FDA will take appropriate action to reduce or eliminate the risk," the FDA said. "While the FDA investigates all reports to the best of its ability, it does not always have access to all the information needed to conclusively determine the cause of the event," CNN reports.

The drinks include NOS, Full Throttle, Red Bull, Amp and 5-hour Energy drink. The senators aren't the only one calling attention to these drinks. A New York attorney general and the city attorney of San Francisco are asking the drink companies to provide more information when they're marketing their products to the public, FOX News reports.

There have also been a total of 92 patient reports connected to energy drinks consumption, including 33 hospitalizations reported as "5-Hour ENERGY adverse events", according to the FDA. (FOX News)

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Hostess files for bankruptcy, competitors seek to purchasetag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3766292012-11-18T20:15:45Z2012-11-18T20:19:13ZHostess Brands, the maker of the iconic Twinkies, announced Friday it is going out of business, creating an opportunity for competitors to purchase the brand. The news comes after Hostess bakers went on strike protesting a new contract that was...snyde509
Hostess Brands, the maker of the iconic Twinkies, announced Friday it is going out of business, creating an opportunity for competitors to purchase the brand.

The news comes after Hostess bakers went on strike protesting a new contract that was being forced on them. Nearly 18,500 workers will lose their jobs in the company, shutting down 33 bakeries and 565 distribution centers nationwide, CNN reports.

"We deeply regret the necessity of today's decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike," said CEO Gregory Rayburn in a statement, CNN reports.

Hostess will sell its assets to the highest bidder. Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, the world's largest bread-baking firm, is interested in obtaining some of the Texas-based Hostess' products, according to Forbes. Grupo Bimbo "owns parts of Sara Lee, Entenmann's and Thomas English Muffins", FOX News reports.

Approval of the bankruptcy court is still needed before Hostess will start selling its assets. Meanwhile, production of all of its bakeries stopped Friday, and stores will no longer receive products from Hostess Brands after the final round of deliveries were made Thursday night, CNN reports.

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Mall of America tightening restrictions for teens on Black Fridaytag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3766172012-11-18T18:13:01Z2012-11-18T19:02:26ZMall of America is tightening security on Black Friday by not allowing unaccompanied teenagers at the mall on the biggest shopping days of the year, news sources report. Children younger than 16 and who are not with an adult 21...snyde509
Mall of America is tightening security on Black Friday by not allowing unaccompanied teenagers at the mall on the biggest shopping days of the year, news sources report.

Children younger than 16 and who are not with an adult 21 or older will not be welcome at the Mall of America on Thanksgiving night or Black Friday, and also during the week between Christmas and New Year's, Star Tribune reports.

After last years chair-throwing teenage tussle in the food court that happened days after Christmas, the mall is taking steps to prevent any recurrence of such an event, Pioneer Press reports.

"We realized after last year that we had a large number of youths who were coming," she said. "Just for everyone's safety, it makes sense to us to put the policy in place," Star Tribune reports.

"Unaccompanied teens must provide proof of their age with government-issued identification; school IDs will not cut it," Star Tribune reports.

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Egyptian intelligence chief working to forge cease-firetag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3765982012-11-18T06:58:48Z2012-11-18T06:58:57ZEgypt's intelligence chief is in the talks with Hamas and Israel to end the five days of fire, news sources report. Mohammed Shehata, a general with Egyptian intelligence, told CNN the Israeli military is reluctant to cease-fire without indications that...snyde509
Egypt's intelligence chief is in the talks with Hamas and Israel to end the five days of fire, news sources report.

Mohammed Shehata, a general with Egyptian intelligence, told CNN the Israeli military is reluctant to cease-fire without indications that a truce would hold.
Negotiations are still ongoing with no clear conclusion yet, CNN reported.

Thousands of Israeli troops are swarming near the Gaza border, "awaiting orders to invade should Israeli leaders decide to widen the operation," FOX news reports.

Rockets soared from Gaza toward Israel Saturday. One missile was blocked by a missile defense system as it was on the way to Tel Aviv, CNN reports.

Sunday comes a lull in the fire after Israel expanded its airstrike campaign on rockets in the Gaza Strip that stroke a Hamas government compound and a Cabinet building on Friday, FOX news reported.

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Egyptian intelligence chief working to forge cease-firetag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/snyde509/3101newsfall2012//16786.3765962012-11-18T06:56:41Z2012-11-18T06:57:58ZEgypt's intelligence chief is in the talks with Hamas and Israel to end the five days of fire, news sources report. Mohammed Shehata, a general with Egyptian intelligence, told CNN the Israeli military is reluctant to cease-fire without indications that...snyde509
Egypt's intelligence chief is in the talks with Hamas and Israel to end the five days of fire, news sources report.

Mohammed Shehata, a general with Egyptian intelligence, told CNN the Israeli military is reluctant to cease-fire without indications that a truce would hold.
Negotiations are still ongoing with no clear conclusion yet, CNN reported.

Thousands of Israeli troops are swarming near the Gaza border, "awaiting orders to invade should Israeli leaders decide to widen the operation," FOX news reports.

Rockets soared from Gaza toward Israel Saturday. One missile was blocked by a missile defense system as it was on the way to Tel Aviv, CNN reports.

Sunday comes a lull in the fire after Israel expanded its airstrike campaign on rockets in the Gaza Strip that stroke a Hamas government compound and a Cabinet building on Friday, FOX news reported.